Herald Blogs

BY RODNEY MUHUMUZA

ASSOCIATED PRESS

KAMPALA, Uganda -- A Ugandan newspaper published a list Tuesday of what it called the country's "200 top" homosexuals, outing some Ugandans who previously had not identified themselves as gay one day after the president enacted a harsh anti-gay law.

U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry said Monday's signing of the bill by President Yoweri Museveni marked "a tragic day for Uganda and for all who care about the cause of human rights" and warned that Washington could cut aid to the government of the East African nation.

"Now that this law has been enacted, we are beginning an internal review of our relationship with the Government of Uganda to ensure that all dimensions of our engagement, including assistance programs, uphold our anti-discrimination policies and principles and reflect our values," Kerry said in a statement.

The Red Pepper tabloid published the names — and some pictures — of alleged homosexuals in a front-page story under the headline: "EXPOSED!"

The list included prominent Ugandan gay activists such as Pepe Julian Onziema, who has repeatedly warned that Uganda's new anti-gay law could spark violence against homosexuals. A popular Ugandan hip-hop star as well as a Catholic priest are also on the list.

NCTE Celebrates Failure of Attempt to Repeal CA School Success and Opportunity Act

Washington, DC - A final tally of collected signatures reaffirmed California voters' belief that all students, including transgender students, should succeed in school. Consistent with federal regulations, this law underscores school's mandate to ensure that all students have their needs met by school administrators and teachers.

The National Center for Transgender Equality (NCTE) applauds the failure of the referendum effort but remains vigilant of legal challenges to the signature count. In response to this developing news, NCTE Executive Director Mara Keisling issued the following statement:

"We are very happy with today's outcome upholding the majority of Californians' belief that transgender students deserve a fair shot at doing well in school. School administrators and teachers in California had already been making the appropriate adjustments to achieve that even before this law took effect. And our view, along with the views of many parents, administrators and teachers in California, is that transgender kids should have the same education as all our kids. Doing that means making the right tweaks in school programs and functions so that transgender students can be who they are in schools without fear or limitation. NCTE celebrates this important step and we'll closely monitor legal challenges to the vote count as they develop."

For the law to qualify on the November 2014 ballot, 504,760 valid signatures were required, however only 487,484 were found to valid.

This is a tragic day for Uganda and for all who care about the cause of human rights. Ultimately, the only answer is repeal of this law.

The United States is deeply disappointed in the enactment of the Anti-Homosexuality Bill in Uganda. For the four years since the bill was introduced, we have been crystal clear that it blatantly violates human rights obligations that Uganda’s Human Rights Commission itself has recognized are enshrined in Uganda’s Constitution

Today’s signing threatens a dangerous slide backward in Uganda’s commitment to protecting the human rights of its people and a serious threat to the LGBT community in Uganda. We are also deeply concerned about the law’s potential to set back public health efforts in Uganda, including those to address HIV/AIDS, which must be conducted in a non-discriminatory manner in order to be effective.

As President Obama stated, this legislation is not just morally wrong, it complicates a valued relationship. Now that this law has been enacted, we are beginning an internal review of our relationship with the Government of Uganda to ensure that all dimensions of our engagement, including assistance programs, uphold our anti-discrimination policies and principles and reflect our values.

From Nigeria to Russia and Uganda, we are working globally to promote and protect the human rights of all persons. The United States will continue to stand against any efforts to marginalize, criminalize, and penalize vulnerable persons in any society.

BY RODNEY MUHUMUZA

ASSOCIATED PRESS

ENTEBBE, Uganda -- Uganda's president on Monday signed an anti-gay bill that punishes gay sex with up to life in prison, a measure likely to send Uganda's beleaguered gay community further underground as the police try to implement it amid fevered anti-gay sentiment across the country.

Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni said the bill, which goes into effect immediately, was needed because the West is promoting homosexuality in Africa.

Also Monday, Miami-Dade County announced that Spirit of Uganda, which "celebrates the cultural roots and newer offshoots of this lush and diverse nation," would be performed Saturday night at the South Miami-Dade Cultural Arts Center.

Here's the news release:

SOUTH MIAMI-DADE CULTURAL ARTS CENTER AND CULTURE SHOCK MIAMI PRESENT THE SPIRIT OF UGANDA - FOR ONE SHOW ONLY ON SATURDAY, MARCH 1

A program of “joy” and “empowerment for the whole family

(MIAMI, February 3, 2014) Continuing their tradition of co-presenting top quality arts performances from around the world, the South Miami-Dade Cultural Arts Center and Culture Shock Miami, the $5 ticket program for 13 to 22 year olds, collaborate to bring the best in family entertainment with the high-octane, heart-warming and inspirational SPIRIT OF UGANDA on Saturday, March 1 at 8PM on the SMDCAC Main Stage in Cutler Bay.

Designed as world-class family events, ticket prices for the show are extremely affordable at $15-$10 through www.SMDCAC.org or by calling the SMDCAC box office at 786-573-5300 and only $5 for 13-22 year olds through Culture Shock Miami at www.cultureshockmiami.org. The Center is located at 10950 SW 211 Street, Cutler Bay. FREE parking is available.

SPIRIT OF UGANDA presents riveting programs of music and dance for audiences of all ages to the melodic tones of standing drums, with dramatic choreography, bright, layered rhythms, and gorgeous call-and-response vocals. A vibrant cast of 22 performers, ages 10-20 brings to life the sounds and movements of East Africa. With Artistic Director Peter Kasule and special guest Rachel Magoola (Afrigo Band) leading the way, SPIRIT OF UGANDA celebrates the cultural roots and newer offshoots of this lush and diverse nation.

The New York Times described SPIRIT OF UGANDA as “invigorating the stage with that elusive thing called joy.” “The audience hollered with joy,” said The New Yorker.

Ambassadors for Uganda’s 2.7 million orphans, the children of SPIRIT OF UGANDA personify the resilience and promise of Africa’s next generation when they are provided with the resources to succeed.

ABOUT SPIRIT OF UGANDA

SPIRIT OF UGANDA is not just a show, it is model for empowerment through the arts. From January to March of 2014, SPIRIT OF UGANDA is touring to 18 cities from coast to coast. Ranging in age from 13-21 the group's 21 young artists represent the power and promise of Uganda's youth. Professional, critically recognized and publicly acclaimed, the company has performed at leading performing arts centers around the USA since 2007. Through their performances, educational activities and community exchanges, these goodwill ambassadors share their stories, promote East African culture and raise awareness to help ensure that they and their peers are fully prepared to assume leadership roles in their communities.

The troupe is a program within Empower African Children (EAC), a non-profit organization based in Dallas, TX and Kampala, Uganda. SPIRIT OF UGANDA exemplifies Empower African Children's three pillars of their mission: to provide a transformative education, to create global connections, and to prepare students for a lifetime of leadership.

Empower African Children provides scholarships to 50 young Ugandans. Each student attends a prominent boarding school in Kampala where they receive a high quality education. Each student is supported with individual counseling and programming that promotes healthy child development. Scholarship recipients also receive post-secondary education at a university or vocational school to help them meet their career goals and prepare them for a lifetime of influence.

A college-level U.S. Scholarship program makes it possible for a few of these exceptional students to deepen their education at leading colleges and universities in the Unites States. Over the last year, four students have graduated from leading universities in the U.S. Visit EmpowerAfricanChildren.org for more information and opportunities to support the education of students in Uganda.

ABOUT THE DIRECTOR, Peter Kasule

Peter Kasule (Artistic Director) is a musician, composer, and choreographer. The founding Artistic Director of SPIRIT OF UGANDA, Kasule researches, creates, and arranges all repertory; he casts and rehearses the troupe, and produces the company's music recordings. Peter Kasule was born in Kampala, Uganda in 1981. Having lost his parents to AIDS, he lived at the Daughters of Charity Orphanage from 1989-96. In 1994, Kasule traveled to Germany for the International Children's Festival where his dance troupe was awarded "Best Performers." In 1996 he accepted an invitation from Alexis Hefley to attend Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts in Dallas where he established himself as an award-winning musician. Supported by Empower African Children's US Scholarship Program, Peter earned a degree from the College of Santa Fe in 2007 in music technology, with a focus on composition and recording and an interest in blending African and Western music. After graduation, he worked at the World Bank in Washington, DC as an audio/visual engineer. Peter was an original member of the Children of Uganda company and served as that group's director from 2004-2006. In addition to overseeing all of Empower African Children's artistic initiatives, Peter is involved in developing other opportunities for young Ugandans . He partners with Father Joseph Luzindana, working as a sound technician during retreats and other religious events. He is also the sound technician at the YES Center (Youth Encountering the Savior). Peter has established a recording studio in Kampala. As a producer, performer, and DJ his work is seen and heard throughout Uganda. Peter is married and father to two children.

ABOUT THE BUILDING

South Miami-Dade Cultural Arts Center serves as a showcase for the performing and media arts, welcoming people from all backgrounds and economic means. The facility includes 961 seat state-of-the- art theater, which features a fly tower, orchestra pit, front of house spaces (box office, lobby, concessions, etc.) and back of house support spaces (dressing rooms, storage and work areas, administrative offices, etc.). The site also includes an activities building which houses lab / experimental theaters, and may be used for classrooms, rehearsals, and small-scale performances. A beautiful outdoor plaza allows for festivals, art shows, and other outdoor activities. The concert lawn “back yard” slopes to the Black Creek Canal, and can host outdoor concerts, performances and events.

Culture Shock Miami was inaugurated in 2005-06 by the Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs, with a generous grant from The John S. & James L. Knight Foundation. Since then, it has sold nearly 35,000 tickets through its website www.cultureshockmiami.com. A core group of arts organizations participate regularly in the program, including Actors' Playhouse, Adrienne Arsht Center, Cleveland Orchestra Miami, Dranoff 2 Piano Foundation, Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, Florida Grand Opera, Miami City Ballet, New World Symphony, Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, and ZooMiami. In 2011, Culture Shock Miami was selected and introduced as a lead partner to Florida International University’s Honors College's initiative, HEARTS - Honors Education in the Arts. HEARTS gives Honors College students the opportunity to be exposed to the arts in their courses, as well as through extra-curricular activities. In addition, HEARTS serves as a clearinghouse (and curatorial framework) for students to experience the arts on campus and in the community-at-large by providing them with information about and access to cultural activities and performances. Culture Shock Miami continues its sponsorship and support of the program for the 2013-14 season.

The Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs and the Cultural Affairs Council develop cultural excellence, diversity and participation throughout Miami-Dade County by strategically creating and promoting opportunities for artists and cultural organizations, and our residents and visitors who are their audiences. The Department directs the Art in Public Places program and serves its board, the Art in Public Places Trust, commissioning, curating, maintaining and promoting the County’s art collection. The Department also manages, programs and operates the South Miami-Dade Cultural Arts Center, a campus of state-of-the-art cultural facilities in Cutler Bay, as well as Miami-Dade County Auditorium, Joseph Caleb Auditorium and the African Heritage Cultural Arts Center, all dedicated to presenting and supporting excellence in the arts for the entire community. Through staff, board and programmatic resources, the Department, the Council and the Trust promote, coordinate and support Miami-Dade County’s more than 1,000 not-for-profit cultural organizations as well as thousands of resident artists through grants, technical assistance, public information and interactive community planning. The Department receives funding through the Miami-Dade County Mayor and Board of County Commissioners, The Children’s Trust, the National Endowment for the Arts, the State of Florida through the Florida Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs and the Florida Council on Arts and Culture, and the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation. Other support and services are provided by TicketWeb for the Culture Shock Miami program, the Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau, the South Florida Cultural Consortium and the Tourist Development Council.

Please join us this Tuesday for our GFLGLCC Quarterly Networking Luncheon. You'll meet new friends, make business connections and enjoy a 3-course luncheon prepared by the renowned Dos Caminos, located in the Sheraton Fort Lauderdale Beach Hotel.

Luncheon Details:

Dos Caminos will serve a 3-course lunch, choice of coffee, tea or soda, inclusive of tax and gratuity. Cocktails, wine and beer are available.

BY RODNEY MUHUMUZA

ASSOCIATED PRESS

ENTEBBE, Uganda -- Uganda's president is expected on Monday to sign into law a controversial anti-gay bill that has harsh penalties for homosexual offenses.

The Uganda Media Center invited journalists Monday to witness the signing ceremony at the president's official residence in Entebbe, about 40 kilometers (24.86 miles) from the capital, Kampala.

The bill is popular in Uganda, but international rights groups have condemned it as draconian in a country where homosexuality is already criminalized.

U.S. President Barack Obama has urged Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni not to sign the bill, saying it would "complicate" the east African country's relationship with Washington.

The bill calls for first-time offenders to be sentenced to 14 years in jail. It also sets life imprisonment as the maximum penalty for a category of offenses called "aggravated homosexuality," defined as repeated gay sex between consenting adults as well as acts involving a minor, a disabled person or where one partner is infected with HIV. The bill originally proposed the death penalty for some homosexual acts, but that was later removed amid international criticism. Some European countries have threatened to cut aid to Uganda if the bill is enacted.

Multiple Emmy and Golden Globe winner Sharon Gless has joined with Equality Florida Institute in its fight for marriage equality. A vocal advocate for LGBT rights, in 2013 Ms. Gless took a leading role in Equality Florida's Get Engaged campaign, a public education campaign to build support for marriage equality in the state.

On January 21, 2014, Equality Florida Institute joined with six couples in a lawsuit challenging the State of Florida’s ban on marriage equality. In recognition of her support, Equality Florida will be honoring Ms. Gless and the six plaintiff couples with the Voice for Equality Award at the organization’s Annual Miami Gala at the Pérez Art Museum on Sunday, March 16.

"There are many celebrities who call Florida home, and we applaud Sharon Gless for publicly expressing her support for LGBT equality," said Nadine Smith, CEO of Equality Florida. "We are at a tipping point in the movement for full equality, and the voices of allies like Sharon Gless will make a huge difference."

Ms. Gless has had a home in Florida for more than 20 years and has been a steadfast ally in speaking out on behalf of the LGBT community. She served as Grand Marshal in the Miami Beach Pride Parade, received the Gay Icon Award at Philadelphia QFest, the PFLAG Ally award in Toronto and was honored by L.A.’s Gay & Elder Housing. Norman Lear’s People for the American Way recognized her for her unwavering support of human rights.

She recently recorded a video in support of Equality Florida’s campaign to “Get Engaged” in the fight for marriage equality, which may be viewed on Equality Florida’s YouTube channel: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GWGEbmjcKwU.

BY BRIAN MAHONEY

AP BASKETBALL WRITER

Jason Collins became the NBA's first active openly gay player Sunday, signing a 10-day contract with the Brooklyn Nets.

Collins will join the Nets for their game Sunday night in Los Angeles against the Lakers. The 35-year-old center revealed at the end of last season he is gay, but he was a free agent and had remained unsigned.

With a need for another big man, the Nets turned to the 7-foot Collins, who helped them reach two NBA Finals in the early 2000s.

"The decision to sign Jason was a basketball decision," general manager Billy King said in a statement. "We needed to increase our depth inside, and with his experience and size, we felt he was the right choice for a 10-day contract."

BY DAVE CAMPBELL

AP PRO FOOTBALL WRITER

He provided one anyway, subtly spelling out his desire to be known simply as a football player whose sexuality isn't a national story.

"Good afternoon. My name is Michael Sam. I play football for the University of Missouri," he said to commence his first public appearance since announcing he's gay.

Sam smiled and laughed often during a 12½-minute news conference at Lucas Oil Stadium, looking relaxed, jovial and confident while taking questions from the hundreds of reporters surrounding the podium.

Though Sam said he's been too busy working out to absorb the coverage in the two weeks since his revelation, he chided the media a bit for the volume of analysis of this watershed moment in sports. Sam will be the first open homosexual in the NFL.

"I wish you guys would just say, 'Michael Sam, how's football going? How's training going?' I would love for you to ask me that question. But it is what it is. And I just wish you guys would just see me as Michael Sam the football player instead of Michael Sam the gay football player."